Photo by Don Treeger / The RepublicanAn excavator from Northern Tree Service uses a Brontosaurus Brush mower to clear land in Brimfield State Forest Friday. Forestry crews are clearing a 100 foot fire break along the tornado devastated areas of the forest.

S.J. Port, press secretary for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, said the dry spring accelerated the timeline for additional debris removal.

Northern Tree Service workers were in the state forest for the second phase of clearing tornado debris, cutting 100 foot fire breaks along the sides of the main roads, in an effort to stop potential fires from spreading. A total of 37 acres was being targeted.

The work on the state forest began April 5. Port said the buffers will be carved out between the state forest and public roads, such as Hollow, Dearth Hill and Dean Pond roads. Hollow and Dean Pond roads border the state forest, while Dearth Hill runs through it.

All Department of Conservation and Recreation areas that abut homeowners on Dearth Hill and Hollow roads also will be addressed, she said.

On April 4, 52 acres were scorched off Paige Hill Road in a fire fueled by dead trees and brush from the tornado. The dry spring and virtually snowless winter has prompted warnings from state officials about open burning, as the grass and leaves that allow forest fires to start and spread are extremely dry.

Many communities, such as Brimfield, have stopped giving out burning permits until there is substantial rain.

Brimfield Fire Chief Frederick W.Piechota Jr. said that after the Brimfield brush fire, he met with Department of Conservation and Recreation representatives who told him about their plans to tackle the tornado-ravaged Brimfield State Forest.

"Certainly our biggest concern is the state forest," Piechota said.

Piechota explained that the clearing that is being done to the sides of main roads will remove debris and create fire breaks, to help stop the progress of a fire. He said there are a lot of homes particularly on Dearth Hill Road.

"The debris is of a real concern, until we get a lot of rain or until the forest begins to get green," Piechota said.

The tornado felled one-third of the trees in the state forest's 3,500 acres.